The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-03-26
A Gossip's Deed.

4
Eeryie," she said, after moment OF
Silence, during which the young girl
had turned her face away.
Miss Perkins was one OF the born
sggravators OF humanity in general
and in particular. Minerva Woodford
felt horribly tempted to tell her so.
But Minera had wonderful self.control
&r such smiling azure eyes and thick
massed, ungovernable auburn hair.
IL was no light imposition. this that
she had borne throughout that glori.
Gus midsummer afternoon; the COM
pany OF Miss Perkins "to tea" the
threads Of gossip Miss Perkins unrav-
eied inch for inch with the yard OF
the great gray balls from which she
was always knitting ugly stockings for
Heaven knew whom) and knit up
slowly with her own peculiar skill of
narration into u substance quite as
ulgy and durable as the product Of
her hands.
1t was one OF Miss Perkins self.en-
joined duties to communicate dis.
agreeable tidings. She felt q delight
ful sense OF peace and contentment
now that she had concluded her task
OF enishtening her young and mother
less hostess. "Nervie was a good
girl and hadn't ought to be deceived
Ieastest." she said to herself, "more
Specially by such worthless critter
as that Jason Hawkes."
"Ididn't s'pose you'd care so much, Z"
she repeated, with an air ofsympathy.
Minerva was reaching through the win
dow to break off some OF the pink
roses that hung there red-ripe and
luscious. She did not obey her inn
pulse to turn and speak sharply. She
did not say out her thought "'Ner-
viel" How she hated to be called
"Nervie" No one with any sense call
ed her anything but Minnie No one but
Miss Elyira Perkins. She wished Miss
Perkins would never come to see her.
She thought all this, but what she
said was mlder, as she faced about
carelessly and stood arranging the
roses.
II am sure | hardly understand
you, Miss Perkins. Why should you
suppose cared what was said about
Jason Hawkes.? Surely he has right
10 marry whom he pleases."
She might have been q little paler
than usual, but her voice was quite
steady.
MISS Perkins smiled discreetly.
''rhere amt much chance for the
young girls" she observed, "when
there's designin' widow come to
town. Mis- Darrells just got Jason
Hawkes. wound completely round her
finger. 'Tisn't that he's so much ac-
count, though il he'd married you,
you would've had good influence.
He's altogether too fond O. race-horyes
and such-like evil doings. But for her
TO come and set herself up so might
ly-why, she amt once returned your
call now, I'll be bound"
Minerals lovely face flushed pain.
FULLY at the reminder. She stepped
from sitting-room to kitchen and
put some water in a vase for thsroses.
Her heart throbbed with q great ache,
but never should her caller know it.
"It's almost time for father to
.ome," she said, quietly. T'm going
10 set the table now, Miss Perkins.
Will you sit by the door? I'll bring
your chair"
ooh, lawl ! can manage for myself"
said the elderly maiden, rising in some
haste to push the wooden rocker be.
lore her over the sill and down the
length OF the shining kitchen. 1t was
q wing OF the house facing the road
and the door was open.
A sudden hoof-beat and rumble OF
wheels on the soft and yellow dusty
road A carriage spun by after n GER
tain well-known pair OF jet.black
horses.
Miss Perkins set up a shrill cry OF
triumph.
II neverl There they go; he's driving
her out to the fairgrounds. What do
you think of that 'Nervie?"
But Minerva made no reply.
Miss Perkins turned only to see the
girl slip quietly from the room.
Miss Perkin set there alone for q
space. The tea-kettle
had begun to sing cheerily. The snowy
tablecloth and the shining glassware
had an inviting aspect. There was
plenty OF Miss Perkins favorite sauce |
and sweet-pickle; there was just the
Kind OF tea-biscuit and cocoanut cake
that she dotted on. She closed her |
,yes and clasped her hands with a
Iish Of thankfulness for duty perform
vi and blessings about to be enjoyed. !
Then Minerals father arrived.
"How-dy' Miss Perkins," he said. |
Where's Minnie2"
Minerva reappeared, Just a little
pale and shadowy around the eyes.
"Here am, father, she said, gently; |
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